12.01.2014

Counterclaim example from HRW Text

Including counterclaims in argumentative writing may be new to some students.  Luckily, our very own Mrs. Artero pointed out this example in the essay, "Scary Tales" by Jakie Torrence, featured in the 8th Grade ELA textbook.  In "claim" in the essay is that "scary stories are good for children," and the author presents a pretty good argument that scary stories teach children to be cautious.  

The paragraph beginning on line 44 of this essay presents a counterclaim, most likely stemming from something that the author has probably experienced in her life.  

Notice that there are no transitional words or phrases such as "some people may say that...." or "others may argue that...."  Instead, the author just states the counterclaim and then goes right into her rebuttal, again, without traditional transitional words.

Here is the excerpt:


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